My husband just took one of our grandsons hiking and took this photograph. It is of ruts, made by covered wagon tracks, crossing over the Rocky Mountains on their way west.
How are these ruts, made so long ago, still visible? Why and when did travelers head west? Destinations? Hardships? This photo can inspire so many different authentic projects.
It is also important to think about how to authentically present projects. There is, of course, the typical written report. With student access to laptops, this can include creating digital presentations. However, there are also many others ways to present information, and that can be an authentic project in itself. What catches your audience’s attention – models, posters, performances…? Presentations that include writing – posters, scripts, invitations… Math – measuring for constructing props, scale for models… Let your students discuss, research, plan, and produce their authentic presentations for wherever this project – or any project – takes them.
Happy Trails!
The Educational Journey 